Membrane-integrated fermentation system for improving the optical purity of D-lactic acid produced during continuous fermentation

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2011;75(12):2326-32. doi: 10.1271/bbb.110486. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

This report describes the production of highly optically pure D-lactic acid by the continuous fermentation of Sporolactobacillus laevolacticus and S. inulinus, using a membrane-integrated fermentation (MFR) system. The optical purity of D-lactic acid produced by the continuous fermentation system was greater than that produced by batch fermentation; the maximum value for the optical purity of D-lactic acid reached 99.8% enantiomeric excess by continuous fermentation when S. leavolacticus was used. The volumetric productivity of the optically pure D-lactic acid was about 12 g/L/h, this being approximately 11-fold higher than that obtained by batch fermentation. An enzymatic analysis indicated that both S. laevolacticus and S. inulinus could convert L-lactic acid to D-lactic acid by isomerization after the late-log phase. These results provide evidence for an effective bio-process to produce D-lactic acid of greater optical purity than has conventionally been achieved to date.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillales / cytology*
  • Bacillales / enzymology
  • Bacillales / metabolism*
  • Bioreactors / microbiology*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Fermentation*
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Lactic Acid / biosynthesis*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Lactobacillus / metabolism
  • Optical Phenomena*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Lactic Acid
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase